RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz will visit general practices across Bendigo, Castlemaine and Woodend on 11–12 March to hear directly from regional GPs about the challenges facing communities in the Goldfields and Macedon Ranges.
Dr Muñoz said now is a critical time for government to step up and support the sustainability of general practice in regional and rural Victoria.
"General practice is the backbone of community health, yet many practices across regional Victoria are under real strain," she said.
"Rising operating costs and state taxes – including payroll tax – are putting pressure on practices at a time when demand for care has never been higher.
"Without meaningful action from the State Government, some clinics may not survive. Victoria urgently needs a full payroll tax exemption for general practice to protect access to care."
Dr Muñoz said GPs are also playing a vital role supporting local communities affected by recent bushfires.
"GPs are often the first point of contact for people dealing with the physical and emotional impacts of disasters," she said.
"Regional practices are doing extraordinary work, but they need the State Government to recognise the pressures they're under."
The RACGP is calling for stronger state investment in general practice infrastructure, workforce attraction and retention, and policies that ensure people in regional and rural Victoria can continue accessing timely, high-quality care close to home.
"Victoria's regional communities deserve a sustainable general practice system," Dr Muñoz said.
"The State Government must act now to secure the future of the care people rely on every day."
